AVB warns Redknapp off Spurs duo

Redknapp has made little secret of the fact that he would like to bring the two players who excelled for him during his time as Spurs boss to Loftus Road when the transfer window opens, but Villas-Boas has slammed the door on possible deals for the duo next month.

"We are not looking to let Parker or Dawson go in January, that's for sure," he said. "It is hard for me to say what QPR's plans for January [are], but Harry obviously knows these players well and if he has to add to his squad, he will certainly look here, but it is not something we will consider. A loan deal is not a possibility either."

Parker is set to make his first appearance of the season against Swansea on Sunday, but Villas-Boas has hinted it is 'too early' for the England midfielder to start a Premier League game as he edges closer to full fitness after his lengthy spell on the sidelines with an achilles injury.

The Tottenham boss has also moved to dismiss the theory that Parker will struggle to force his way into Villas-Boas's first choice line up, which already features battling midfield duo Sandro and Moussa Dembele.

"Parker will start regularly in our team," Villas-Boas said. "Like everyone else, he will have to compete for his place, but we recognise the importance of the player and rate him very highly. He offers us more possibilities, as well as experience and leadership.

"With Scotty in the team, he takes us to another level. He adds to the quality we already have and it has been great to see him on the training ground in the last few days. We have been patient to wait for him and it's great to have him back."

Meanwhile, Villas-Boas believes the battle for a top four Premier League finish will feature as many as ten teams this season, with third spot still 'up for grabs' in the opinion of the Tottenham manager.

"At the moment, it is very unstable in the race for the top four," he said. "Chelsea is not too far apart from us, so third is attainable. Everyone is trying to find stability, but it is not easy.

"We found consistency then lost against Everton last Sunday, West Brom found it and then had a problem, Arsenal got a good result last weekend after some setbacks, so the difference is very narrow between third to tenth. Only in the latter stages will we see how it works out."